Barriers to exercise: Kuwaiti individuals with and without physical disabilities

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the stages of exercise change, the levels of physical activity, and barriers to exercise among Kuwaiti individuals with and without disabilities. This study was conducted on 100 participants (50 males and 50 females) aged from 18 to 55 years. Stage of exercise change scale was used to assess exercise behavior and behavioral intention among the participants. To assess physical activity, the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for individuals without disabilities and the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities was used for individuals with physical disabilities. Barriers to Physical Activity and Disability Survey was used to identify the top barriers to exercise. Results from the 2 × 2 ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups (with and without disabilities and individuals with physical disabilities) on the level of physical activity, F(1, 96) = 8.13, p < .05, η² = .078. There were no significant differences between male and female participants on the levels of physical activity, F(1, 96) = 1.19, p > .05, η² = .036. Chi-square tests showed that there were no significant associations between the stages of exercise change distribution and gender, χ²(4, N = 100) = 5.50, p > .05, or with and without disability groups, χ²(4, N = 100) = 4.68, p > .05. When investigating barriers to exercise, the 2 × 2 chi-squares (gender × barriers) showed significant differences between genders on the lack of time barrier. There were also significant differences between genders on the lack of energy barrier, females reporting higher percentages for the lack of energy barrier than males. The 2 × 2 chi-squares (group × barriers) showed that lack of transportation was significant for individuals with disabilities. Individuals without disabilities reported higher percentages for lack of time and feeling bored when exercising than individuals with physical disabilities. Findings also indicated that Kuwaiti customs were not barriers to exercise. Hot weather was reported as an environmental barrier to exercise and the need for mass media-based campaigns to promote physical activity was also reported.